Curtins Helps Shape BSI Inclusive PPE Guidance

Curtins is proud to have contributed to the development of the BSI’s new guidance on inclusive PPE, which marks a major step forward in improving safety, wellbeing and equity across UK workplaces.

The lack of gender-specific PPE in construction and engineering has been a long-standing issue, and we believe that addressing this gap industry-wide will have a profound impact on the safety and comfort of women working in these environments, as well as individuals wearing religious headwear, and those whose needs are often overlooked in traditional PPE design.

Published by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the new document (BS 30417 Provision of Inclusive PPE) offers practical recommendations to help employers select and provide PPE that is truly fit for everyone, addressing differences in body shape, gender, ability, and cultural or religious dress. This guidance supports inclusive selection, with advice on choosing PPE that is safe, comfortable, and compatible.

Crucially, it is guidance, not a standard, meaning it’s designed to support and inform rather than prescribe, making it accessible and actionable for organisations of all sizes.

Curtins’ involvement in developing the guidance builds on the work we’ve already been doing to improve PPE provision across our own teams. Recognising the widespread issue of poor fit, particularly for women, we’ve worked with a Liverpool-based supplier, Blakes, to deliver inclusive PPE lines, including maternity workwear, across our workforce.

Research cited in the guidance shows that 46% of British women supplied with PPE or uniforms say they don’t fit properly, and 57% report that their PPE hampers their work, increasing their safety risk and discomfort.

It is also well recognised that poor PPE fit affects mental wellbeing, job satisfaction, attraction and retention – an acute challenge for an industry already grappling with talent shortages.

We are delighted to share that the Guidance will be officially launched on 12th November in Whitehall partnership with Curtins, and look forward to the positive impact it will have on equity and inclusion within our industry, and beyond.

See more on the BS 30417 Provision of Inclusive PPE Guidance here.